A CARLISLE man knocked his victim unconscious with a single punch, a court heard.

Michael William Alston, of Brook Street, left his victim with a bleed on the brain as a result of the blow.

The 30-year-old pleaded guilty to one charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent when he appeared at North Cumbria Magistrates court in Carlisle yesterday.

Rachel Parker, prosecuting, told the court he initially got Josh Bain in a headlock in a Carlisle pub before being asked to leave.

She said there was some degree of premeditation as he went back into the pub.

Miss Parker said it was a "forceful punch which knocked him to the ground and left him unconscious."

The victim, she said, suffered a bleed on the brain and, whilst he had recovered, must be careful in future.

Magistrates felt their sentencing powers were insufficient and committed the case to Carlisle Crown Court on March 20.

Alston, who has no previous convictions, was granted unconditional bail until then.